My
motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in music education stems from my
philosophy that education is important in order to safeguard our survival as a
civilized society and to uphold the ideals of democracy.According to M. Cunat,
a democratic education celebrates “individuality, cooperation, reflection,
social development, and responsibility.” Through education one is able
to become empowered and liberated from the chains of ignorance and
mediocrity.Education opens up the mind
to new ideas and innovative thought processes which may otherwise be obscured
or undeveloped.Society, in order to thrive,
must not remain stagnant. It must continually seek ways to adapt and improve.Fresh ideas and creative approaches must be
adopted, especially in a global community.Education can facilitate this flow of ideas, thereby ensuring an
optimistic future for our children.

Music education has afforded me a close encounter with
the powerful capabilities of young people.I truly believe that music, both classical and popular, has a
transformative effect on today’s youth, allowing them a venue for expression
and reflection.Additionally, as members
of music ensembles, students develop skills and behaviors which are necessary
to become successful in the workplace and in society. These include
responsibility, commitment, leadership skills, and perseverance.

My commitment to music education is evidenced by my
students’ active and successful participation in TMEA and UIL activities year
after year. As students take part in these activities, they become stronger
musicians and develop a greater commitment to music education.Their zeal for music is then transferred to
other areas of their lives.

As I plan for the future, one thing remains constant:
music is an essential component of my life and work.I cannot even begin to fathom living a life
disconnected from music and music education.The more one is involved in music, the more one becomes attached to it
at a spiritual level.